By Jordon Buell
In last year’s season, the Schoolcraft boys varsity basketball team had a goal: recapturing a state championship. They fell just short of their goal in the semi-finals against Iron Mountain.
With redemption in mind, a veteran head coach, and a determined team, the Eagles headed into the 2021-2022 with the same goal: winning a state championship.
This year, they did it.
The team, led by Coach Randy Small, captured the Class C state championship against Menominee High School at the Breslin Center with a final score of 59-49.
It was their second state title win since 2011. This year, with a record of 25-2 overall on the season, it seemed easy to envision the Eagles putting themselves back in a position to attempt to grasp the thing they wanted most.
Key contributors to the monumental victory over Menominee were senior Ty Ryske, who provided 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists; senior Tyler Degroote, who added 7 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists; sophomore Shane Ryske, scoring 15 points along with 5 rebounds; and junior Eli Devisser, scoring 14 points along with 4 rebounds.
This team from the beginning of the season was on a mission. With hard work and dedication, these Eagles ended up with a 23-game winning streak, sending a message that Schoolcraft basketball is to be respected.
Congratulations to Coach Randy Small and the Schoolcraft Eagles on an incredible season and a state championship!